1 Chronicles 8:29

And at Gibeon dwelt the father of Gibeon, (whose wiues name was Maachah:) 1 Chronicles 8:29 (KJV)

The verse is situated within the book of 1 Chronicles, an Old Testament work that records the genealogies of Israel, especially the lineage of David and the establishment of the Davidic dynasty. 1 Chronicles 8:1‑40 presents a detailed list of the descendants of Benjamin, one of Jacob’s twelve sons, and the passage in verse 29 continues that record by naming a man identified as the father of Gibeon and noting his wife, Maachah.

Gibeon was a prominent city in ancient Israel. During the reign of David the tabernacle was stationed there (see 1 Chronicles 15:8), giving the city a special religious significance. The genealogical designation “father of Gibeon” likely indicates a notable ancestor or leader associated with the settlement rather than a literal founder. The inclusion of the wife’s name, Maachah, is relatively uncommon in biblical genealogies, which often list only male ancestors. By preserving the name of the wife, the text highlights the importance of this family within the tribe of Benjamin.

The broader context of the chapter underscores the purpose of these genealogies: to establish the historical continuity of the tribe of Benjamin and to connect the people of Israel to their ancestral roots. Such records served both a theological function—affirming God’s covenantal promises to the patriarchs—and a practical one, providing a framework for tribal identity and inheritance. The mention of Maachah, therefore, contributes to a fuller picture of the family line, reminding readers that women, though less frequently named, played a role in the nation’s heritage.

In summary, 1 Chronicles 8:29 offers a concise yet meaningful snapshot of Benjamin’s lineage, linking the father of Gibeon with his wife Maachah, and situating this family within the larger narrative of Israel’s history and worship centered on Gibeon.